Student Spotlight – Taylor Meskimen

Taylor Meskimen

Taylor Meskimen is a multifaceted artist not only well-versed across a variety of creative fields, but with professional accomplishments in comedy, dance, song, and film. She has been performing improv for over a decade, is an award winning narrator having narrated over 20 audio books, (including Riverdale: The Day Before,Ender’s Game Alive, and Midnight Sun) and has been featured in commercials for Nike, Panera Bread, Enterprise, and Staples. She has also voiced characters for the Emmy award winning show Ask The Storybots.

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When did you realize you wanted to be an actor?

I truly wanted to be so many things when I was a kid. I remember first thinking of it as a problem. I thought there would come a time where I would have to choose only one. I ended up experimenting with many different art forms growing up: I was part of a dance company for years, I painted, I did plays and some music projects. But gradually I realized that, as an actor, I wouldn’t ever have to choose just one thing. I could be anything.

How did you get started?

I grew up in a family of actors and artists, so its hard to pinpoint exactly how or when everything started… it was just a part of my life from the beginning.

I got started in the voiceover world when I was about 16 or 17. My dad had been directing an audio project and brought me in to voice some characters. I really enjoyed it, and from there I just started doing anything I could to get in front of a microphone. With the help of my dad, and a lot of practice, things started to open up for me. I began to make my own connections with people in the industry and would reach out to them and send them samples of my work. I was very interested in it and I think that helped me a lot.

When did you start studying at The Acting Center?

I’ve been at The Acting Center for about 10 years now. I feel so lucky, I’ve heard many stories from other actor friends about other acting classes they have taken, and I think I wouldn’t be here now doing what I do if I had gone somewhere else. It can be a hard game sometimes, and they really create a safe space here which is really important as an artist. I strongly believe the confidence this school has given me is what has allowed me to grow and become a better actor.

Tell us about your most recent success in booking voiceover work.

I have been working quite a bit more recently in voiceover on various audio books, animated shows and commercials. I realized that all of the drills we use here at The Acting Center can be used for VO work as well. Just because there’s no camera there doesn’t mean that it’s any different. We are “being” other people, and The Acting Center gives you the tools to do that, fully and believably. I know for myself when I am confident in my abilities I am much more likely to book a job. I think being in class and constantly improving and trying new things gives me that boost where I am ready for whatever comes my way, and I think that comes through in auditions.

What is your favorite part about what you do?

I love that in being an artist anything is possible. I can create effects and communicate things that are important to me and help people feel things. I get to learn about people and be them. Its pretty amazing.

What is your favorite thing about The Acting Center?

Another great thing about The Acting Center is the group dynamic. Working a lot in the voiceover industry can be very lonely! I spend a lot of time in sound booths and it’s so incredibly nice to get to class and create with other amazing artists.

What at The Acting Center has helped you most?

The drills that you learn studying at The Acting Center are just insanely good. It still amazes me even after years of studying there how well they work. Learning lines has never been a problem for me because of the drills here. Also the understanding I have gained on being a character has made a massive difference in my performances and bookings.

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About The Acting Center

Founded in 2006 by a group of seasoned stage, television and film actors and teachers, The Acting Center is quickly becoming one of the most respected places to study acting in Los Angeles.

The Acting Center helps actors to gain control over their work, teaching them to rely on their own instincts, imagination and choices. Our scene study and improv classes produce confident actors who bring an original voice to every production. [Read more…]